The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for business owner Sam Rafidia, who often works late into the evenings at his family-owned jewelry shop in Mount Prospect each December to meet the needs of customers shopping for presents.

But for Rafidia, an Israeli immigrant and owner of European Jewelry, this time of year also represents a chance to give back to the community. He has hosted dozens of homeless residents to a dinner each year at the St. James Parish PADS program in Arlington Heights.

Pioneer Press recently caught up with Rafidia, who explained why hosting the annual holiday meal has become a cherished tradition, as well as an important lesson in human nature.

Q: How did you start hosting the annual holiday meal at the St. James Parish PADS program?

A: I have a customer who helps out with the church's PADS program, and after we talked about it, I told her I wanted to give something back to the community, and that I'd provide a dinner for the homeless one night. I've been doing it every December since for the past four years. We just held the dinner Wednesday night (Dec. 20).

Q: I've heard it's a really great meal. What was on the menu?

A: (He laughs) Well, that's what they tell me. We served Italian beef, chicken, ribs and salad to about 60 people, which I catered from Mugs Pizza. And everyone at the dinner also got a $5 Dunkin' Donuts gift card.

Q: Do you get to talk to the people attending the dinner?

A: Yes. They're all different ages, including families with kids, which is really sad.

Q: What have you learned from this experience?

A: Honestly, every time I host the dinner, I thank God that I am who I am. When you meet homeless families, you realize that there are a lot of people out there who are lucky and should be happy with what they've got, and not be complaining. Maybe, they just need to go out and see some of the bad things that are happening to a lot of people in the world. Having a lot of stuff is just not important.

Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago.